A Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide that Binds Scavenger Receptor CD36 and Ghrelin Receptor Up-Regulates Sterol Transporters and Cholesterol Efflux in Macrophages through a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ-Dependent Pathway

Macrophages play a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by accumulating cholesterol through increased uptake of oxidized low-density lipoproteins by scavenger receptor CD36, leading to foam cell formation. Here we demonstrate the ability of hexarelin, a GH-releasing peptide, to enhance the expression of ATP-binding cassette A1 and G1 transporters and cholesterol efflux in macrophages. These effects were associated with a...